UPBEAT Chris Turner is backing Ritchie Humphreys to make a big impression in Division Three next season.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man opened his Hartlepool United scoring account in Thursday's 3-0 friendly win at Gateshead and Turner believes there is more to come from the free-transfer recruit.

"Ritchie's workrate is unbelievable,'' said Turner. "He works non-stop right across the line and holds the ball up well. The front two worked very hard the other night.

"It's great for him to get his first goal the other night. One thing is sure he will get enough chances because we create a lot of opportunities for the front men.''

Humphreys, however, handed the initiative to Ian Clark on Thursday in the race to become Pool's penalty king.

After Tommy Miller's departure to Ipswich, Pool are in need of someone to take their spot kicks.

And after Humphreys joined Kevin Henderson in squandering a pre-season penalty, Clark snapped up his chance from the spot at Gateshead to lead the way.

"I would imagine that he is favourite,'' said Turner. "He is confident and wants the chance to take them.

"Tommy Widdrington has a good penalty record so it is nice to have two players capable of scoring.

"Clarky has put them away in the past and wants to replace Tommy.''

Pool's pre-season build up continues at Morcambe this afternoon, with Turner aiming for a sixth game without defeat.

Turner fielded a youthful side against Doncaster in the Century FM Festival of Football final last night and admitted: "We are very pleased with the way things are going.

"Every manager is building towards next week, but it's good for confidence and team spirit to have a good pre-season.

"I think the only downside has been the injury to Darrell Clarke. The Mansfield game may come a little too soon for him as he has missed a bit of training.''

Clarke, a summer buy from Mansfield, has been suffering a thigh strain since the 1-1 draw with Fana a fortnight ago.

Turner is expecting a tough test against the Conference side this afternoon, saying: "A lot of Conference teams are capable of doing well in the Football League."

Read more about Hartlepool here.